Types Of Pain Relief

There are several useful methods to relieve pain during labor and delivery.

• Intravenous (I.V.) pain medications are used mainly in early labor and usually are prescribed by your obstetrician. I.V. medications dull the pain but do not eliminate it. They may make you and your baby somewhat sleepy.

• Local anesthesia may be used by your obstetrician at the time of delivery to numb the vaginal and rectal areas. Local anesthesia is often used when an episiotomy is necessary. While local anesthesia may ease the pain of delivery, it will not ease the pain of contractions.

• Regional Anesthetics and general anesthetics are administered by the Anesthesia Care Team (Anesthesiologists and CRNAs). Regional anesthesia includes spinal and epidural anesthesia. Regional blocks are administered by injection of an anesthetic solution into the lower back. Regional blocks may be used for easing the pain of labor or for anesthesia during a cesarean section. General anesthesia can be used during cesarean section and rarely during vaginal delivery. You will be asleep during general anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually used in more emergent situations, while epidural and spinal anesthesia is usually the preferred type of anesthetic.